Overweight is Prevalent among Cameroonian Women and is Associated with Increased Waist Circumference, Region, and Household Characteristics

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and associated household and dietary risk factors, in a national sample of Cameroonian women and children, and the change in these values within urban areas after 3 y.In a 2009 national survey (3 strata: South, North, Yaoundé/Douala, 30 clusters/stratum, 10 households/cluster), information on dietary intake, household characteristics, and height/length and weight were obtained from women 15‐49 y and children 12‐59 mo. A 2012 study in Yaoundé/Douala surveyed the same 30 clusters; in addition to the above measures, women's waist and hip circumferences were measured.In 2009, 32% of non‐pregnant women had BMI 蠅 25.0 and 11% of women had BMI 蠅 30. Prevalence of BMI 蠅 25 differed among regions (40% South, 11% North, 48% Yaoundé/Douala), but not between urban and rural areas (36 vs 27%, P=0.11). Greater maternal age, TV ownership, and, in the North, socio‐economic status, were associated with BMI 蠅 25. Weight‐for‐height Z score > 2SD among children was < 4% in all regions. Mean BMI among women in Yaoundé/Douala was 26.0 and 26.9 kg/m2 and BMI 蠅 25 was 48% and 57%, respectively, in 2009 and 2012 (P > 0.1). Overweight/obese women had greater waist‐to‐hip ratios and were more likely to have waist circumference > 88 cm compared to women with BMI < 25 (P < 0.001).The results indicate that overweight/obesity is prevalent among women in some regions of Cameroon. A comprehensive public health strategy is needed to combine chronic disease prevention with efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and infectious diseases.